UVB Light Spectrum Control for Time-Phased Vitamin D Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial lighting systems provide a static UV spectrum, which leads to a relatively static activation of photoreceptors, impacting biological processes such as vitamin D synthesis, resulting in prevalent vitamin D deficiencies, especially at high latitudes.
Innovation Solution
A light generating system with a first light generating device configured to produce UVB wavelengths in the range of 280-320 nm, with controllable wavelength-dependent radiant flux, mimicking natural sunlight by varying the abundance of different wavelengths throughout the day to dynamically stimulate photoreceptors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If artificial lighting systems provide a static UV spectrum, then the lighting system is simple to operate and maintain, but vitamin D synthesis is insufficient and photoreceptor activation is static
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static UV spectrum to a dynamic one that changes throughout the day. The lighting system now varies the radiant flux at different UV wavelengths (280-320 nm) based on the time of day, mimicking natural sunlight patterns. This temporal variation in spectral composition enhances vitamin D synthesis while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the radiant flux parameters at different UV wavelengths over time. The system adjusts the intensity distribution across the 280-320 nm range dynamically, with specific wavelength ranges being emphasized at different times of day. This parameter variation optimizes photoreceptor activation and vitamin D production without complicating user operation.
2Device complexity
If artificial lighting provides a single static spectrum throughout the day, then the lighting system is simple to control, but photoreceptor activation becomes static and biological processes are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static to a dynamic spectral output that adapts to different times of day. The lighting device automatically adjusts its UV wavelength distribution to match natural sunlight patterns, enhancing adaptability to biological rhythms while the control system manages the complexity internally, keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling different spectral compositions at different times of day. The system follows a daily rhythm similar to natural sunlight, with specific wavelength ranges being promoted at different times. This periodic variation in spectral output enhances adaptability to circadian rhythms and biological processes while maintaining straightforward operation through automated timing.
3Productivity
If UV radiation is provided with high intensity at all wavelengths, then vitamin D synthesis is maximized, but the risk of harmful effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different radiant flux intensities at different UV wavelengths within the 280-320 nm range. Instead of uniform high intensity across all wavelengths, the system selectively enhances specific wavelength ranges (such as 290-315 nm) that are most effective for vitamin D synthesis while limiting exposure at wavelengths with higher harmful potential. This localized spectral optimization maximizes benefit while minimizing risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts potentially harmful UV radiation into beneficial effects by selectively optimizing the spectral composition. By emphasizing wavelengths that are most effective for vitamin D synthesis (290-315 nm) and limiting exposure at more harmful wavelengths, the system transforms UV radiation from a purely harmful factor into a beneficial one, maximizing health benefits while minimizing risks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances vitamin D synthesis by providing the right vitamin D metabolites at the right time, mimicking natural sunlight's dynamic spectral changes, thereby addressing vitamin D deficiencies and potentially regulating other photoreceptor-dependent processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first light generating device configured to generate first device light, wherein the first device light comprises light having one or more wavelengths in a first wavelength range of 280-320 nm
Implementation Method 2
a control system configured to control the wavelength dependent radiant flux of the first device light as a function of time
Implementation Method 3
the production of vitamin D in the human body may depend on absorption of UVB by the skin
Implementation Method 4
the vitamin D hormone, which may be important for health and for instance for bone strength, may be the end result of a cascade of photochemical reactions occurring in the skin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising (a) first light generating device (110) and (b) a control system (300), wherein: the first light generating device (110) is configured to generate first device light (111), wherein the first device light (111) comprises light having one or more wavelengths in a first wavelength range of 280-320 nm, wherein the first wavelength range comprises a lower subrange from λ11 to λ12 and a higher subrange from λ21 to λ22, wherein 280 nm≤λ11<λ12≤λ21<λ22≤320 nm, and wherein λ12 and λ21 are selected from the wavelength range of 290-315 nm, wherein a wavelength dependent radiant flux of the first device light (111) is controllable: the light generating system (1000) is configured to generate system light (1001) comprising at least part of the first device light (111); the control system (300) is configured to control the wavelength dependent radiant flux of the first device light (111) as a function of time, wherein the light gen-crating system (1000) is configured to provide the first device light (111) at a first time t1, at a second time t2, and at a third time t3; wherein the second time t2 is temporally arranged after the first time t1, and the third time t3 is temporally arranged after the second time t2; and wherein the first time t1, the second time t2, and the third time t3 are temporally arranged in a single day; wherein relative to a total radiant flux in the first wavelength range the radiant flux of the first device light (111) in the lower subrange is relatively lower at the first time t1 than at the second time t2, and wherein relative to the total radiant flux in the first wavelength range the radiant flux of the first device light (111) in the higher subrange is relatively higher at the first time t1 than at the second time t2; and/or wherein relative to the total radiant flux in the first wavelength range the radiant flux of the first device light (111) in the lower subrange is relatively higher at the second time t2 than at the third time t3, and wherein relative to the total radiant flux in the first wavelength range the radiant flux of the first device light (111) in the higher subrange is relatively lower at the second time t2 than at the third time t3.